roseau flooded polaris plant school and hospital survive

After days of heavy rain in northwestern Minnesota, the Roseau river crested Wednesday, at roughly seven feet above flood stage. The river broke through Roseau's protective dike system on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in flooding in over 75 percent of the town. Three main points were quickly identified for protection, the town's hospital, the new $15 million high school and the Polaris plant. All three locations survived the flood, thanks to hundreds of volunteers from Roseau and the surrounding communities.

"Thanks to the tireless efforts of hundreds of Polaris employees and local volunteers, the Polaris facility and inventory are dry and intact," said Polaris president and chief executive officer Tom Tiller, who worked side-by-side with volunteers throughout Tuesday night sandbagging and pumping water away from the facility. "People have been absolutely incredible. Literally hundreds of folks came out to protect the company that provides their family income. Words can't describe how thankful we are to them for everything they have done and continue to do."

"Our biggest concern right now is helping our employees and the rest of the Roseau community. We're a family up here, so we'll do everything we can to help. As one of the oldest and largest employers in northwestern Minnesota, we hope state and federal aid will be made available as soon as possible to help the community begin rebuilding from this disaster."

Tiller said absent additional rainfall and flooding, the Roseau facility is expected to remain closed Wednesday and perhaps the next few days so that employees can focus on their homes, families and neighbors.

Arctic Cat President Chris Twomey has also given his company's employees time off to go 70 miles up the highway to help any friends or family with flood recovery. "There are a lot of our employees with ties up in Roseau," commented Cat spokesman Jay Lusignan. "Mr. Twomey felt that it was important to allow them time to go help in any way they can."